Dating apps are worth £11.7 billion to the UK economy every year

Tinder cakes. Emily Wren Photography Dates organised over apps like Tinder and Happn are having a significant impact on the UK economy, according to research released by TSB on Tuesday.

The UK bank found that dating apps contribute £11.7 billion to the UK economy every year, more than two thirds of the £14.5 billion that's spent on dates overall.

The figures are based on a study carried out by research OnePoll, which sampled 2,000 UK nationally representative adults.

TSB said first dates in the UK cost £41.20 on average (£50 for men and £36 for women). Follow up dates cost an average of £28.83.

The most popular dating app in the UK is Tinder, with 55% of Brits having used it, according to TSB. Plenty of Fish was a close second, having been used by 41% of Brits.

TSB manager Nicola Forsyth said in a statement: "It seems romance is far from dead for Brits looking to meet that special someone. Chivalry is also alive and kicking, with most men willing to pay the bill on those all-important first dates, even though most women prefer to split it.

"While it may not always lead to the course of true love, the dating scene is definitely doing its bit to boost the UK economy, with bars and restaurants being the biggest beneficiaries - as well as the odd helicopter pilot."